Nigel Lythgoe wants Nicki Minaj back on ‘American Idol’ next season

If he had his way, Nigel Lythgoe would be bringing back Nicki Minaj as a judge on American Idol next season.

It’s really hard to read Nigel sometimes. I love Nicki Minaj and she’s arguably the best judge the show has ever had since Simon Cowell. But the loyal fans hate her on the show. A lot of fans blame her for the drop in ratings — even if it’s really Nigel’s fault for manipulating the talent pool to get a female winner this year.

What do you guys think? Should Nicki come back next season? Take the poll:

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From WENN:

American Idol exec Nigel Lythgoe eager for Nicki Minaj to return next season

AMERICAN IDOL executive producer NIGEL LYTHGOE is eager for judge NICKI MINAJ to return to the singing competition for a second season.

The Superbass hitmaker has received mixed reviews for her stint on the show, largely in part to her blunt and sometimes harsh critiques – but despite the varying opinions of Minaj’s freshman year on Idol, Lythgoe believes she is a perfect fit for the job.

When asked if she would be welcome back for a second season, Lythoge tells TMZ.com, “By me, she certainly will be!”

Last week (27Mar13), the rapper told the three remaining boys of the competition – Lazaro Arbos, Devin Velez and Burnell Taylor – that their rendition of I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) fell flat, and added, “I’m gonna act like I didn’t see that or hear it… Get off the stage.”

She later engaged in a Twitter.com war of words with Velez after his elimination on Thursday (28Mar13). He criticized her harsh judgement about the group number, but she fired back and encouraged him to be more gracious after his departure from the show. (TD/HR&WNWCZM/CL)